Salmon, Chum – British Columbia, Canada

Chum Salmon is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates from freshwaters to ocean waters to feed for several years and then back to freshwaters to reproduce. They are found in the North Pacific Ocean, with many distinct reproductive populations occurring along the coasts of North America and Asia. They reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years and have a short life span, reproducing only once and then dying.

In British Columbia, Chum Salmon abundance is currently low for most populations. Chum Salmon are caught upon their return to coastal waters to reproduce with drift gillnets, purse seines, and trolls. These gear types have minimal habitat impacts and typically low bycatch, but some threatened/endangered salmon species can be caught.

The Marine Stewardship Council has certified the Fraser, Inner South Coast and West Coast Vancouver Island BC Chum Salmon fisheries as sustainable and is in the process of assessing the North and Central Coast BC Chum Salmon fisheries against its standards.